One dark brow lifted, a flicker of interest breaking through on his otherwise cold, unreadable face. “Me.” His dark brown eyes swept over her, noting her freshly cleaned skin and the pack’s clothing now draped over her frame.
“I was expecting someone else,” Evelyne muttered, folding her arms. She already knew the routine: he would lift her chin, examine her eyes,then leave without a word. “Let’s just get this over with.” She rolled her eyes and strode toward him.
The corner of his mouth twitched, almost a scoff, before his hand reached for her chin.
“What is so amusing?” she asked.
His calloused fingers firmly tilted her head, but his eyes narrowed in silent curiosity this time. “Who exactly were you expecting?” he asked.
“Oh my word, he actually speaks! And here I was beginning to think your only skill was looming in silence like a particularly moody statue.”
He didn’t so much as flinch, merely held her gaze. She fluttered her lashes in exaggerated innocence, just to be insufferable.
“Still gold. Still normal. No dark possession. Looks like I’m in the clear, and you may see yourself out now.”
“You’ve heard me speak before,” he replied, voice low.
“Ah, yes. How could I forget? That one memorable moment when you sent Holden and your matching pair of gloom-drenched bodyguards to do your dirty work.”
His expression darkened, and his grip remained firm as he continued his thorough, frustratingly silent examination. Evelyne yanked against his hold, but he didn’t let go.
“Are you hoping to find something wrong with me?” she hissed. “A reason to kill me too?”
He finally released her chin, but didn’t step back. “I did what I could to keep my pack safe.”
Evelyne’s hands curled into fists. “Well? Did I pass your test? If so, can you please leave?”
She just wanted him gone so she could charm her way past thisKaldrekand finally get out. She was tired of being treated like a prisoner,examined day after day. She wasn’t infected or corrupted, but if they didn’t let her out of this tent soon, she might start acting insane.
He didn’t answer. Instead, his dark eyes flashed with something like curiosity or predatory instinct, before he seized her wrist and yanked her forward. Before she could even protest, he leaned in dangerously close, and—
Gods above, was hesniffingher? Like a damn dog?
Disgust propelled her hand before thought could catch up, and it slapped across his face.
The impact stung her palm more than it seemed to affect him. His body stilled. His hands fell to his sides as he turned away, jaw tightening with such force she half expected fangs to burst through his skin. She had gone too far, and she knew it.
She took a step back, her heart hammering in her chest as she forced words out. “Don’t ever come that close to me again.”
For a heartbeat, she thought he might tear her limb from limb. But then his shoulders dropped, as if something in her eyes caught him off guard. “You are free to leave, Evelyne,” he said, steady as stone.
It was the first time a stranger had spoken her name without the burden of her title, and somehow, it felt achingly personal.
She stiffened in surprise. “I thought that decision was up to—”
“Your friend,” he interrupted, crossing his arms. “Who is he to you?”
Why was he asking her that? “He’s…” Evelyne hesitated, confused. “My betrothed.”
The alpha’s mouth curved slightly—not quite a smirk, but something close to it. “Cute.”
For once, her wit abandoned her. Not that it made a difference, since Holden pushed into the tent seconds later, Alaric following close behind.
Her chest tightened at the sight. He looked tired, but alive. His bruises had faded to faint traces, and though she had never seen him this unkempt, the rough stubble along his jaw somehow suited him. Most importantly, he was here. Standing. Whole.
“Kaldrek, he’s clear,” Holden said, his green eyes flashing to Evelyne.
She snapped her head toward the alpha, her voice caught between a question and a realization. “You’re Kaldrek.”
